It starts with an early league matchup, which is expected to become part of future schedules. Next year, Purdue opens against Northwestern at Ross-Ade Stadium.

For now, five games and five players to watch during the opening weekend:

Ohio State at Indiana, Thursday

Although the Buckeyes should easily win this matchup, it ranks at the top because it’s a conference game and features an interesting storyline. Any Big Ten game in August is worthy of such recognition. Plus, Kevin Wilson – who was fired as IU’s head coach after last season – returns to Bloomington as Ohio State’s offensive coordinator under Urban Meyer. Wilson has plenty of offense at his disposal and look for him to use it. The Hoosiers have declared this the biggest season opener in program history but let’s see how long they hang with the Buckeyes.

Wyoming at Iowa, Saturday

The Hawkeyes open by facing the potential No. 1 NFL draft pick in 2018. Quarterback Josh Allen threw for more than 3,200 yards and rushed for more than 500 in leading the Cowboys to the Mountain West Conference championship game. He should give the Hawkeyes problems but he can't do it alone. Like Purdue’s David Blough,

Allen attended the Manning Passing Academy. Meanwhile, Iowa named its starting quarterback – sophomore Nathan Stanley on Monday. He'll have the benefit of facing a defense that allowed nearly 35 points and more than 450 yards per game last season.

Michigan vs. Florida, Saturday

Jim Harbaugh has a talented group but it’s young and untested and playing the two-time defending SEC East champions in the first game isn’t ideal, even though it’s in Arlington, Texas. The Wolverines allowed 14.1 points and 261.8 total yards last season and will be hard pressed to repeat those numbers, especially with two returning starters. Seven Florida players are suspended for the opener, including leading receiver Antonio Callaway.

Buffalo at Minnesota, Thursday

The energetic and charismatic P.J. Fleck begins his tenure in Minneapolis. Fleck hasn’t coached a game and he has a television show. If he wins big, what’s next – a Netflix mini-series? Fleck is the show and he knows it. If Fleck wants to start strong, just give the ball to running backs Rodney Smith and Shannon Brooks in the opener. Quarterback remains a question mark but the defense is good enough to keep this Mid-American Conference team from pulling the upset.

Louisville vs. Purdue, Saturday

Based on the talent disparity between the two rosters and where the Boilermakers are in their development, this game shouldn’t earn a spot on this list. The storylines are juicy enough and it’s hard to find another Big Ten game with any appeal. Start with the reigning Heisman Trophy winner – Louisville quarterback Lamar Jackson – and continue with Purdue coach Jeff Brohm, who was a star quarterback at Louisville and later was on the coaching staff. He served as an assistant under Cardinals head coach Bobby Petrino at Western Kentucky and Louisville.

The whole Brohm family is a mini-storyline with Jeff’s father, Oscar, and his brothers – Greg and Brian – all playing football for the Cardinals. The storylines are nice but Brohm has plenty of work ahead to make the Boilermakers competitive, especially against this Louisville team.

Rashan Gary (Michigan): The Wolverines lost a lot of talent off last year's top defense but the end was the nation's No. 1 recruit in 2016.

Tegary Scales (Indiana): Tough test in the opener for the linebacker, trying to slow down Ohio State quarterback J.T. Barrett and running back Mike Weber. Led the nation in tackles for loss last season.

Ryan Connelly (Wisconsin): The former walk-on will replace Jack Cichy in the starting lineup at linebacker. Cichy, one of the top linebackers in the Big Ten, suffered a knee injury during training camp. The Badgers also lost outside linebacker Zach Baun to a foot injury.

Tanner Lee (Nebraska): The quarterback, who sat out last season after transferring from Tulane, takes control of the offense. He brings plenty of experience, making 19 starts in 2014 and 2015.